@RazorbackWBB Garnering National Attention With 11-0 Start

BY ANDRES FOCIL

FAYETTEVILLE — Off to its best start since 2010-11, the University of Arkansas women’s basketball team (11-0) has begun garnering national attention in updated polls andrankings.

Now drawing 14 votes in the latestAP Top 25 Poll, the Razorbacks rank 28th in the country according to media members. UA began receiving votes toward the AP Top 25poll back during the week of Nov. 26.

After receiving just one vote in the USA Today Coaches Polllast week, UA has sincejumped upto 11 votes in this week’s edition. The recentrise in recognition has moved the Razorbacks up to No. 29 in the country.

Yet to crack the top 25, the last time Arkansas was ranked nationally in either the APTop 25 or the USA Today Coaches Pollwas when UA checked in at No. 23 last season during the week of its matchup against Texas A&M on Jan. 6.

In addition to theirrise in national polls, the Razorbacks also moved up to No. 51(.5949) this week in the latest women’s college basketballteam RPI rankings.

Arkansas rose two spots in the Bennett Ranking, now atNo. 20 in the country. Based on mathematical models that best predict winners and losers, the Bennett Ranking evaluates teams from the first week of the season and focuses on evaluations bypredicting who is going to win next week instead of trying to assess an entire season. Home court advantage is factored into predictions, as well as game differentials.

Earlier this week, Jessica Jackson also earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors for the second time this season. The Jacksonville, Ark., native helped the Razorbacks remain unbeaten with notable performances in non-conference wins over Kansas and Northwestern State. Jackson scored 31 points in the two contests, including a game-changing three-pointer late against Kansas that swung momentum and secured the win over the Jayhawks.

The Razorbacks currently lead the NCAA in scoring defense (43.0), with SEC foe South Carolina at No. 2 allowing 47.4 points per game. UA also ranks No. 5 in the country for both field-goal percentage defense (31.2) and scoring margin (31.9).

Individually, Calli Berna ranks No. 8 in the nation for assists per game (7.2) andNo. 14 for assist-turnover ratio (3.60).

Currently enjoying a break in scheduling for final exams, the Razorbacks do not return to the court again until welcoming Tennessee Tech to Bud Walton Arena on Dec. 20. Opening tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.

For more information on Arkansas women’s basketball, follow @RazorbackWBB on Twitter.